Tantum

Chapter 5

Tom was pacing the sun room in Malfoy Manor, he had to floo over to speak to Narcissa completely out of Harry's hearing range, his only couldn't hear anything of this upcoming conversation and the teen had like a signal that alerted him whenever Narcissa stepped in to the manor. He couldn't sit still, he was going over everything and how his plans could crash and burn around him, it has taken just over a month to get everything perfect and now he was panicking. Tom ran a hand through his hair dishevelling it, what if Harry didn't like the ring? What if it was raining and the place wasn't available? And the Tom froze, what if Harry said no? He paled at the thought. Narcissa watched from the doorway amused and alarmed as the Dark Lord seemed to work himself in to a frenzy for an unknown reason.

"My Lord?" She spoke softly as she entered the room, Tom span to face her and breathed in relief.

"Narcissa," He nodded and she swore she heard a muttered 'Thank Merlin' and he took the offered seat.

"How can I help you, My Lord? I must admit that your visit is unexpected."

"I need to know if Harry is safe to travel." Tom began, that was the most pressing question, one he should have probably asked before he planned everything.

"I would not recommend apperation, My Lord. But as long as he is not alone, I cannot foresee any problems occurring for portkey or floo travel." Narcissa answered.

"Good, that is good." Tom nodded, speaking almost absently.

"May I ask what has you so restless?" Narcissa inquired, Tom ran his hand through his hair and began pacing again.

"I may have completely lost my mind." Tom told her,

"More than previously?" She quipped lightly, and Tom shot her a mild glare.

"Your humour astounds me." He grumbled, "And yes, for your information."

"Oh? What have you done?"

"I haven't done anything yet." Tom muttered,

"Then what are you planning?" She asked, and Tom withdrew a deep green velvet box from his pocket and opened it to show her. Narcissa released an undignified squeal of delight as she leapt to her feet, she impulsively hugged the stunned Dark Lord and grabbed the ring.

"Oh look at it, its beautiful. Oh Merlin, its stunning." She gushed, admiring the platinum ring. It was a simple and with a strip of tiny black sapphires going half way around the middle of the band, the sapphires were lines with diamonds and in the very centre there was a diamond.

"I believe it will do him justice." Tom agreed, eyeing her warily as if scared she would hug him again.

"When are you going to ask him?" Narcissa questioned.

"I am hoping for the weekend, I have it planned." Tom admitted and Narcissa squeezed her hands together as if she was fighting back the urge to jump up and down.

"This is wonderful." She said brightly, "I cannot wait for the ceremony."

"He has to say yes first." Tom pointed out, and Narcissa got a look of understanding in her icy blue eyes.

"You are worried." She stated and Tom made not move to deny it. "You know that he will accept."

"How do you know? He could laugh and say no." Tom snapped and Narcissa hid her smile.

"My Lord, I can guarantee that Harry will not laugh." She told him, and Tom sighed.

"I suppose you are correct."

"Of course I am." Narcissa said primly, Tom shot her an unimpressed look.

"I do not know why I come to you." He sighed,